Whitecaps radio announcer Skoczen steps down

COMSTOCK PARK -- Just like an aspiring Class A professional baseball player hoping to move up in the minor league system and eventually to the major leagues, West Michigan Whitecaps play-by-play radio announcer Dave Skoczen inspires to do the same.

That's why after eight seasons announcing at the Single-A level, the past four with the Whitecaps, Skoczen, 30, has decided to leave the organization to pursue his dreams.

Friday will be Skoczen's last day as a member of the Whitecaps' organization. He plans to pack-up his family (wife and two boys, 3 and 1) and head to California in the coming days.

"It wasn't an easy decision (to leave the Whitecaps) because this is one of the best places to work in the minor leagues," Skoczen said. "But how long do you stay here, career wise, when you're dreams and thoughts are to announce at the Triple-A and hopefully the major league level?

"I thought it's a good time to leave and if it doesn't work out, at least my wife will be closer to here family in Center Valley area, just south of Fresno."

In their 15-year history, the Whitecaps have had only two play-by-play radio announcers. Rick Berkey was the voice of the Whitecaps the first 11 seasons. In the last four seasons, Skoczen has called the action for two Midwest League Championship Whitecap teams. West Michigan reached the playoffs in the other two seasons.

This season he also served as one of the radio announcers for the MWL All-Star Game in Midland.

"Skoczen has been a great asset to our organization from Day 1 and we are sad to see him go," said Jim Jarecki, Whitecaps' vice president. "He represented the Whitecaps always in a very professional matter and having two great play-by-play guys in the last 15 seasons, the new play-by-play guy will have a legacy to follow."

The Whitecaps will begin the search for Skoczen's replacement in the coming weeks.